Looking at Manhattan beats being in it
The classic New York skyline photograph is taken from Brooklyn or Queens. Hotels in Williamsburg, Long Island City and Greenpoint sell that outlook for a fraction of what a Manhattan view-room costs, and they are ten to fifteen minutes from Midtown by subway.
View categories are priced separately
At almost every hotel here, the view is a room category rather than a feature of the hotel. Booking the cheapest room at a hotel famous for its views usually means facing a wall. Confirm the aspect of your specific room, not the hotel's photographs.
A terrace beats a window
A handful of these hotels offer private terraces or balconies, which is close to unheard of in Manhattan. Boro Hotel in Queens and the Ravel put outdoor space in the room for a fraction of a Manhattan rate.
The shortlist
Hotels that fit, and why.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
Floors 35 to 54 above Columbus Circle, starting more than 280 feet up, with the best Central Park views of any hotel in the city.
- Subway
- 59 St-Columbus Circle
Arlo NoMad
A 31st-floor terrace looking straight at the Empire State Building, with views running river to river. The rooms are tiny, which is the trade.
- Subway
- 33 St and 34 St-Herald Sq
NoMo SoHo
The tallest free-standing building in its part of SoHo, so upper floors get genuine 360-degree outlooks.
- Subway
- Canal St, and Spring St
The William Vale
Private balconies on a Williamsburg tower, with the Manhattan skyline directly across the East River.
- Subway
- Bedford Av L train area
Wythe Hotel
The Ides rooftop has one of the most photographed views of Manhattan from Brooklyn, in a converted 1901 barrel factory.
- Subway
- Bedford Av on the L, about ten minutes on foot
Ravel Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Balcony rooms of around 550 square feet beside the Queensboro Bridge, looking back across the river at Midtown East.
- Subway
- Queensboro Plaza on the 7, N and W
Boro Hotel
Private terraces on many rooms and floor-to-ceiling glass facing Manhattan, at a Queens rate rather than a Manhattan one.
- Subway
- 39 Av on the N and W, about five minutes on foot
Ink 48 Hotel
The PRESS Lounge rooftop looks over the Hudson and the Midtown skyline. The catch is a genuinely long walk to the subway.
- Subway
- 50 St on the C and E lines, about a ten to fifteen minute walk
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Seven rooms have private terraces directly over Times Square, and the rooms are soundproofed, which matters at this address.
- Subway
- 49 St and Times Square-42 St
Graduate Roosevelt Island
An island position in the East River with Manhattan on one side and Queens on the other, though you are dependent on one subway stop and the tram.
- Subway
- Roosevelt Island on the F, plus the Roosevelt Island Tramway
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask.
Is it cheaper to get a skyline view from Brooklyn or Queens?
Usually much cheaper, and the view is better because you are looking at Manhattan rather than out from inside it. Long Island City is ten to fifteen minutes from Midtown, and Williamsburg one stop on the L.
Do I have to pay extra for a view room?
Nearly always. The view is a room category, so the entry-level room at a hotel known for its outlook often faces a neighbouring building. Confirm the aspect before booking.
Which New York hotels have balconies?
Very few. The Kimberly in Midtown East has them on most rooms, the William Vale has them in Williamsburg, and Boro Hotel and the Ravel offer terraces in Queens.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.